Bike Park

Biking into work early this morning and then again late in the evening, I was struck by what a fabulous winter this has been for biking. Sure it is 31 degrees. But the wind has rarely been 20 mph. The path has been clear of ice, snow and dark mystery objects. Most importantly Oak Street Curve and Fullerton LFT have been free of ice. Which means we don't have to use the death-defying inner LSD or traverse the wobbly Fullerton Avenue Mudpit.

Biked in with George. He loves the tires on his winter bike. The treads are only on the outside of his tires. The treads, plus their width helps with speed and stability in icy conditions. He also likes that stuff doesn't get all mucked up inside the treads. The tires came with his Cyclo-cross bike.

“I love riding on Michigan (Avenue) because it’s a great example of something that looks scary, but actually if you take the whole lane and act like a car, it’s really not scary at all...”

— Gabe Klein, Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) commissioner a "fiscal conservative who’s as liberal as they come” with a humanistic perspective on urban planning. From Grid Chicago interview, Dec. 13, 2011.

This sign makes it look easier than it is. Especially for tourists.

People who have been commuting for years, let me in on a little secret. Wear your tail lights high. Cars can see them better. Put them on the back or left side of your backback. Or the back of your helmet. Make sure your lights are visible and not obstructed.

Weather in Chicago, is looking mighty fine for January.

LIGHTS ON BIKES: My steed and her two front lights. On the left is my old $40 battery powered Serfas so people can see me. It was my main light until I got the USB rechargable Cygolite MiliOn (right). This light can blind people and cars. I try to use it only on dark stretches and in traffic.

The Ladies' locker room tour concludes with pictures of sinks, clothes steamer (black skinny thing, left back) and toilets (for you interior design geeks).

Only one or two of the toilets is ever used, so they are very, very clean. Would be better if there were only three toilets and two additional showers.

Ladies' Locker Room showers at the bike park. The little bench gets wet and sometimes the water is only warmish-hot. But other than that, a good reliable shower.

In the Summer it is very crowded and chatty. Commuters move quickly, make jokes about the music and try not to take up too much space.

I am always happy when I see these doors. I have made it to the bike park! Folks tend to greet each other and make comments about our commutes.

My feet get very cold. When it drops below 30 degrees I wear Neoprene socks. Cheaper than Lake bike boots. (Yes, I know those boots work great.) Warmer than two pairs of Smartwool socks.